Comparing Private Aviation Options: Sole Ownership (with Charter Supplement) vs. PIA Managed Co-Ownership

If you own an aircraft but fly less than 150 hours a year, you’re likely exploring ways to offset costs while retaining control. Two popular solutions are Sole Ownership with supplemental charter and PIA Managed Co-Ownership. Which one is right for you? 

Let’s break down the benefits and drawbacks of each option.

Sole Ownership (with Supplemental Charter)

Sole ownership is the gold standard for those who value complete control and access to their aircraft. When owners don’t fly enough to justify the full costs, many turn to chartering their aircraft to offset expenses. This involves leasing the aircraft to a charter operator who rents it out when you’re not flying.

Benefits of Supplemental Charter:

1. You retain full control of your aircraft, with priority access to and approval of when and to whom it is chartered.
2. You retain your crew and management team.
3. You offset a portion of your fixed costs.
4. Charter companies handle marketing, logistics, and scheduling, making it relatively simple to manage.

Drawbacks of Supplemental Charter:

1. There is no relief to your invested cost of capital.
2. Revenue from charter will fluctuate depending on demand making it hard to predict how much you’ll earn.
3. Charter commitments/changes limit access to your aircraft, especially during high-demand periods.
4. Increased usage from charter operations leads to accelerated aircraft depreciation and higher maintenance costs.

While chartering can reduce some expenses, the unpredictable nature of revenue and added wear and tear often make it less appealing for owners flying fewer than 150 hours a year.

Partners In Aviation (PIA) Managed Co-Ownership

For owners flying between 50 and 150 hours annually, PIA Managed Co-Ownership offers an innovative alternative. The program matches two carefully vetted owners to one aircraft, providing a legal structure that ensures autonomy, access, and cost-efficiency—all at half the cost of sole ownership.

Benefits of PIA Managed Co-Ownership:

• The program combines the cost-benefit of a partnership with the control of sole ownership. 
• You share the capital and fixed operating costs with a qualified co-owner.
• Co-owners fly at half the cost of sole owners and fractional/membership/jet card users.
• PIA’s legal structure safeguards co-owners with clear agreements on ownership, scheduling, maintenance, and entry/exit terms.
• Co-owners maintain all the access they require – 25+ days/month.
• Previous sole owners can keep their aircraft and flight crew.
• With no reliance on fluctuating charter income, your expenses remain stable and predictable.

When PIA Co-Ownership is not Ideal:

• Not ideal for those flying more than 150 hours/year—full ownership may offer better value.
• For those flying less than 50 hours/year, jet card or membership programs are a better fit.

Why PIA Managed Co-Ownership is Becoming a More Popular Choice

When deciding how to offset the cost of owning an aircraft, the right solution depends on your priorities: flexibility, cost control, and long-term value. While Sole Ownership with Supplemental Charter can generate income, the unpredictable nature of charter revenue and increased wear and tear can make it less appealing for owners flying less than 200 hours annually.

For those flying between 50 and 150 hours a year, PIA Managed Co-Ownership offers an attractive alternative. By sharing the costs of ownership with a vetted co-owner, you can enjoy the benefits of aircraft ownership—control, access, security, and autonomy—at half the cost.

Schedule a consult to see if PIA Managed Co-Ownership is the right private travel solution for you.

What our Clients Say:

“Initially, I was reluctant, but PIA’s legal team and co-ownership structure made me comfortable with the model, and I liked the math,” said Simon Elliott. “I now have the aircraft I ordered at half the original cost.”

– Simon Elliot | PIA Co-Owner | Praetor 600

“The entire process with PIA was highly satisfactory,” shared Bruce Bonafiglia. “PIA introduced me to an excellent co-owner, and I value the proposition of splitting both capital and operating costs.”

– Bruce Bonafiglia | PIA Co-Owner | Challenger 3500